Donovan must have ordered his own food as well, because as I look the cart over, there is definitely more than coffee on there.
He carries a tray over with an assortment of light foods: fruit, yogurt, toast, and what’s probably eggs under a covered dish. When he brings the coffee carafe and mugs over, I am tempted to snatch it out of his hand.
He sets the coffee down and looks at Lio before meeting my eyes and saying, “I’ll just step outside. Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“You won’t get in trouble with Doc?”
He shrugs. “We’re not supposed to leave Emilio alone, but you’re here, and I trust you can manage until help gets here… Or I can stay and simply remove my CIs to give you privacy? If that makes you feel more comfortable?”
I consider it, and shake my head, knowing I don’t want Emilio to feel awkward about having an audience. “That’d be great, thank you, Vonny.”
He nods and grabs his things, checking Lio over briefly before leaving the room, though I note he doesn’t close the door all the way.
Shifting Lio again, I pour my coffee, already anticipating the first taste of it. I’ve been mainlining the stuff since Roman andLio went missing—before that, if I’m being honest. I’m probably made of coffee at this point.
I’m pouring my second cup when Lio stirs. Setting the carafe back on the tray table, I look down at Lio when he opens his gorgeous eyes.
His smile is small, hesitant. “Sir…”
“I’m here, Pup,” I say softly. “I love you, Emilio. Sei il mio cuore e la mia anima.”
The look on his face is still hesitant, wary, as if he’s afraid that at any moment I’ll decide this is too much, thatheis too much.
What he doesn’t know is I’ll give my very life for him. I'd give up every single thing I have just for him to be okay.
“Are you hungry?” I ask. He shakes his head. “I figured, though, I do want you to eat something later. If you don’t show you’re willing to take care of yourself…”
“I know… I’ll behave. Just not now.”
“Okay. Well, I have something I know you won’t say no to.”
There’s more life in Emilio than there has been in a while when I hand him his coffee. He grins at me as he accepts the mug, and even though it's small and shy, it’s there, and it makes my heart flutter.
We enjoy our drinks together, and I get him to eat a tiny bit. Even though I said he could wait until later, his stomach disagreed after not having any real food in…fuck knows how long. Roman and Lio weren’t gone as long as the old Bosses, but it was still too long. I wouldn’t call what Cecily threw at them food. Then to be put under for most of his return, it’s no wonder his poor stomach started protesting.
Lio doesn’t look enthused to be choking down the small amount of food he does, but he doesn’t complain. He knows better than to argue with me. There are things I’ll let him get away with, but not taking care of himself isn’t one of them. That, and honesty are the two things I expect from him, always. The rest…can be negotiated.
Between the two of us, we finish the carafe, and Donovan rolls his eyes at me when he pushes the door open a little while later so the kitchen staff member can bring us a new pot.
“It’s a good thing I don’t have to record his vitals,” he signs and voices.
I laugh. “I almost want you to, just to see Doc twitch.”
“You areevil, Hollis. I like you.”
I snort, it's a high compliment from one of the trips, as they don’t like anyone outside themselves, Doc, and Soren.
“Let me know if you need anything, Lio.”
“I will, thanks.” Lio’s signs are slow, hesitant, but he tries, and that counts. It’s enough to get a grin from Vonny at least.
Vonny leaves the room once more after making sure we have everything we need, and my nerves return. I’m not anxious about being alone with my Boy, far from it. I wish we had more time to spend just me and the Pup, but…asking for more coffee wasn’t the only thing I did when I pulled out my phone, and I need to speak to Emilio before the next visitor.
I need more coffee for this.
“We need to discuss your treatment, Lio.”
He winces. “I…I know I have to see someone. I accepted that after I…when I failed.”
